A public resource guide
Tires are banned from regular trash in nearly every state, and free disposal is built into every new tire purchase. Here’s every legitimate option for old tires.
Last updated: May 2026 · Maintained by Freemoval as a public resource
Tires are banned from regular landfills in nearly every U.S. state under solid waste laws, whole tires float to the surface of landfills and create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The good news: every new tire you buy includes a “tire disposal fee” ($1–$5 per tire built into the purchase price) that funds end-of-life recycling. Tire shops are required to take old tires when you buy new ones, this is the simplest disposal channel. For tires you have without buying new ones: most auto shops accept old tires for $3–$8 each (the disposal fee), and many cities operate periodic free tire collection events. This guide covers every legitimate option.
On this page
Tires are widely banned from landfills (state laws in nearly every U.S. state) but easy to recycle through the established tire fee system. The disposal fee is built into every new tire purchase ($1–$5 per tire), funding end-of-life processing.
Old tires get shredded and used as: tire-derived fuel for cement kilns and paper mills, crumb rubber for athletic field surfacing and playgrounds, and recycled rubber products. Recycling rates exceed 80% in the U.S., one of the most successful Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems in the country.
The challenges are: (1) Identifying free vs. paid channels, tire shops are required to take old tires WITH new tire purchase but charge $3–$8 each for tire-only disposal. (2) Volume limits, most auto shops cap individual customer disposal at 4–5 tires at once. (3) Specialty tires, agricultural, off-road, and oversized tires often need specialized recyclers. Federal law explicitly prohibits dumping tires in waterways or open lots; state penalties typically reach $1,000–$10,000 per violation.
In order from most universal to most location-specific:
Free Tire Disposal with New Tire Purchase
Free with purchaseWhen you buy new tires from any tire shop (Discount Tire, Costco, Walmart, NTB, Pep Boys, local shops), the shop is required by state law to take your old tires for FREE. The disposal fee is built into the new tire purchase price.
The simplest channel: For the typical 4-tire replacement, this is by far the easiest path, the shop swaps tires and disposes of the old ones in the same visit.
Useful tip: Some shops will take a few extras above the new tire count for free if asked, especially smaller local shops.
City Tire Collection Events
Free, periodicMost major U.S. cities operate periodic free tire collection events, typically 2–6 times per year. Buffalo has 4 events at the Broadway Garage. Tucson includes tires in twice-yearly Brush & Bulky pickup (max 5 per event). Many cities tie tire collection to HHW collection events.
Volume limits apply: Most events cap at 4–5 tires per household per event, this prevents commercial dumping at residential events.
Find your schedule: Search “[your city] tire collection event” or check your city’s solid waste website.
City Drop-Off Centers (Some Free, Some Fee)
Free in some citiesSome cities accept tires year-round at municipal drop-off centers, sometimes free for residents, sometimes for a small fee. Albuquerque accepts 5 tires per year free at the Eagle Rock Convenience Center. Charlotte accepts tires at all four free Mecklenburg County drop-off centers. Knoxville includes tires in free weekly bulk pickup (rims removed).
Check the city section below for your local options.
When free options don’t fit (no new tire purchase, no upcoming collection events, more than the per-event limit):
Auto Shop Tire-Only Disposal
$3–$8 eachMost auto shops will accept old tires WITHOUT a new tire purchase for $3–$8 per tire. The fee covers their disposal cost since they didn’t collect the tire fee on a new purchase from you.
The most universal paid option: Available at virtually every auto shop nationally, Discount Tire, Costco Tire Center, Walmart Auto Care, NTB, local independent shops. Many will let you drop off tires anytime during business hours, no appointment.
Volume limit: Most shops cap at 4–5 tires per visit. Larger volumes need specialized tire recyclers.
LoadUp paid pickup
$70+For households who can’t self-haul, have many tires at once (post-renovation, estate cleanout, fleet), or want full-service in-home pickup along with other bulk items, LoadUp offers professional tire removal nationwide with upfront pricing. Loaders handle all lifting and route tires to certified tire recyclers. Independent loaders in the marketplace handle pickup, loading, and disposal coordination.
If you can pay for a pickup, your booking helps fund free pickups for someone else. Every paid LoadUp customer can opt in to round up at checkout, and 100% of round-ups go directly to Freemoval’s subsidized jobs.
Book a tire pickup with LoadUp → Round-up option appears at checkout. Optional, opt-in only.
Specialty Tire Recyclers (Agricultural, Off-Road)
$20–$100+ eachAgricultural tractor tires, oversized truck tires, motorcycle tires, and off-road tires need specialized recyclers. Most auto shops only accept passenger and light-truck tires. Search “tire recycling [your tire type]” for specialists. Some farm equipment dealers accept their own brand back.
Why higher pricing: Specialty tires contain larger volumes of rubber and steel belting. Agricultural tractor tires can weigh 200+ lbs each.
Tire disposal varies by city, some have year-round drop-off centers, others rely on periodic collection events, and a few cities include tires in regular bulk pickup (often with rims-removed requirements). Auto shop disposal at $3–$8 per tire is universally available regardless of city. The summaries below show the headline city option per location.
Albuquerque, NM Launching
5 tires per year free at Eagle Rock Convenience Center.
Free tires removal in Albuquerque →
Arlington, TX Launching
NOT in bulk or recycling. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new (small TX tire fee).
Free tires removal in Arlington →
Atlanta, GA Launching
CHaRM drop-off accepts tires for a small fee.
Free tires removal in Atlanta →
Anaheim, CA Launching
NOT in bulky pickup. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new (small CA tire fee).
Free tires removal in Anaheim →
Anchorage, AK Launching
Tire shops when buying new. Anchorage Regional Landfill (tipping fees). NOT in SWS bulk.
Free tires removal in Anchorage →
Akron, OH Launching
NOT accepted curbside. Tire shops when buying new. Summit County Reworks.
Free tires removal in Akron →
Allentown, PA Launching
Tire shops when buying new. NOT in regular bulk. Lehigh County HHW events.
Free tires removal in Allentown →
Aurora, CO Launching
Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. Some hauler bulk programs accept residential.
Free tires removal in Aurora →
Austin, TX Launching
Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Austin →
Augusta, GA Launching
NO LONGER accepted in curbside collection. Free tire recycling events (call 311). Tire shops accept when buying new.
Free tires removal in Augusta →
Bakersfield, CA Launching
CA tire fee in new purchase. Kern County Special Waste (661-862-8900). NOT in curbside.
Free tires removal in Bakersfield →
Baltimore, MD Launching
Citizen Convenience Centers accept up to 4 tires at a time.
Free tires removal in Baltimore →
Baton Rouge, LA Launching
NOT in out-of-cart pickup. Tire shops when buying new. HHW events.
Free tires removal in Baton Rouge →
Bridgeport, CT Launching
CT DEEP HHW sites (portal.ct.gov/DEEP). Tire shops when buying new. NOT at Transfer Station.
Free tires removal in Bridgeport →
Boise, ID Launching
Idaho tire fee included in purchase. 1 of 6 free large item pickups accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Boise →
Birmingham, AL Launching
Roebuck Recycling Center accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Birmingham →
Boston, MA Launching
Boston Public Works tire drop-off events; auto shops also accept.
Free tires removal in Boston →
Buffalo, NY Launching
Tire collection 4 times per year at Broadway Garage (197 Broadway). 4 tires per household.
Free tires removal in Buffalo →
Camden, NJ Launching
Tire shops required to take old tires when buying new (NJ state law). NOT in city bulk pickup.
Free tires removal in Camden →
Chandler, AZ Launching
NOT in regular bulk. Tire shops when buying new. Limited at Collection Center.
Free tires removal in Chandler →
Charlotte, NC Launching
Four free Mecklenburg County drop-off centers accept tires.
Free tires removal in Charlotte →
Cape Coral, FL Launching
Lee County HHW (239-533-8000). Tire shops when buying new. NOT in standard curbside bulk.
Free tires removal in Cape Coral →
Chattanooga, TN Launching
Not in regular bulk pickup, auto shops accept ($3-$8 each).
Free tires removal in Chattanooga →
Chesapeake, VA Launching
NOT in bulk trash or SPSA Transfer Station (VA DEQ regulations). SPSA Tire Processing Facility, 1 Bob Foeller Dr, Suffolk, M-F 8 AM-4 PM.
Free tires removal in Chesapeake →
Chicago, IL Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in Chicago →
Chula Vista, CA Launching
NOT in bulky. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. CA tire fee at point of sale.
Free tires removal in Chula Vista →
Cincinnati, OH Launching
Hamilton County tire collection events.
Free tires removal in Cincinnati →
Colorado Springs, CO Launching
Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. El Paso County HHW Facility.
Free tires removal in Colorado Springs →
Cleveland, OH Launching
Ridge Road Transfer Station accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Cleveland →
Columbia, SC Launching
Periodic Richland County events at State Fairgrounds.
Free tires removal in Columbia →
Columbus, OH Launching
SWACO HHW & tire events.
Free tires removal in Columbus →
Corpus Christi, TX Launching
NOT in bulky. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new.
Free tires removal in Corpus Christi →
Dallas, TX Launching
Drop-Off Centers accept tires (limited quantities).
Free tires removal in Dallas →
Des Moines, IA Launching
NOT in sticker program. Tire shops when buying new. MWA HHW events.
Free tires removal in Des Moines →
Durham, NC Launching
Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. NC tire fee at point of sale.
Free tires removal in Durham →
El Paso, TX Launching
TX tire fee included in new purchase. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. Free CCS self-haul.
Free tires removal in El Paso →
Denver, CO Launching
Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-Off Center accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Denver →
Detroit, MI Launching
Detroit Recycles tire events.
Free tires removal in Detroit →
Fresno, CA Launching
Cedar Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Fresno →
Fayetteville / Bentonville, AR Launching
NOT accepted in Fayetteville bulky-waste pickup. Tire shops when buying new. Benton County HHW event.
Free tires removal in Fayetteville / Bentonville →
Fort Wayne, IN Launching
NOT in bulk pickup. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new.
Free tires removal in Fort Wayne →
Fort Worth, TX Launching
Drop-Off Station (residential quantities). NOT in bulk pile. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new.
Free tires removal in Fort Worth →
Garland, TX Launching
NOT in brush/bulky. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new.
Free tires removal in Garland →
Gilbert, AZ Launching
NOT in bulk. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. Transfer station limited quantities.
Free tires removal in Gilbert →
Grand Rapids, MI Launching
Michigan tire fee included in purchase. Tire shops accept old tires. NOT in regular bulk sticker pickup.
Free tires removal in Grand Rapids →
Greensboro, NC Launching
NOT in bulk or Patterson Street. Guilford County Scrap Tire Facility, 2138 Bishop Road, (336) 294-9431.
Free tires removal in Greensboro →
Greenville, SC Launching
SC tire fee included in purchase. Tire shops accept old tires. Greenville County facilities accept tires.
Free tires removal in Greenville →
Hartford, CT Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in Hartford →
Henderson, NV Launching
NOT in bulk. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. Henderson Transfer Station for some quantities.
Free tires removal in Henderson →
Honolulu, HI Launching
NOT in any city program. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. Convenience centers may accept residential.
Free tires removal in Honolulu →
Houston, TX Launching
Westpark accepts tires (limited quantities).
Free tires removal in Houston →
Indianapolis, IN Launching
ToxDrop events accept tires.
Free tires removal in Indianapolis →
Irvine, CA Launching
Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. CA tire fee at point of sale.
Free tires removal in Irvine →
Jackson, MS Launching
Tire shops accept old tires when buying new (MS waste tire program). NOT in city bulk pickup.
Free tires removal in Jackson →
Jacksonville, FL Launching
HHW Facility accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Jacksonville →
Kansas City, MO Launching
NCAP tire drop-off events. Auto shops accept ($3-$8 each).
Free tires removal in Kansas City →
Knoxville, TN Launching
Free WEEKLY bulk, rims removed required. Auto shops accept ($3-$8 each) as alternative.
Free tires removal in Knoxville →
Lakeland, FL Launching
Polk County tire events. Tire shops accept when buying new. FL tire fee in new purchase.
Free tires removal in Lakeland →
Las Vegas, NV Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in Las Vegas →
Lexington, KY Launching
Quarterly free disposal day (up to 4 off the rim). Tire shops when buying new.
Free tires removal in Lexington →
Lincoln, NE Launching
Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. Some haulers may accept residential.
Free tires removal in Lincoln →
Long Beach, CA Launching
NOT in Special Collection. EDCO. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new.
Free tires removal in Long Beach →
Los Angeles, CA Launching
S.A.F.E. Centers accept tires.
Free tires removal in Los Angeles →
Louisville, KY Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in Louisville →
Madison, WI Launching
Drop-off sites (Apr-Dec). Tire shops accept when buying new. NOT in regular trash.
Free tires removal in Madison →
Lubbock, TX Launching
NOT in Citizen Convenience Stations (limited). Tire shops when buying new.
Free tires removal in Lubbock →
Memphis, TN Launching
Convenience Centers accept tires.
Free tires removal in Memphis →
Mesa, AZ Launching
NOT in Mesa bulk. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new.
Free tires removal in Mesa →
McAllen, TX Launching
NOT in Brush/Bulky. Free drop-off at 4101 N. Bentsen Rd (bring water bill). TX tire fee in new purchase.
Free tires removal in McAllen →
Miami, FL Launching
TRCs accept tires (limited quantities).
Free tires removal in Miami →
Milwaukee, WI Launching
Drop-Off Centers OR auto shops ($3-$8 each).
Free tires removal in Milwaukee →
Minneapolis, MN Launching
Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities accept tires.
Free tires removal in Minneapolis →
Nashville, TN Launching
Convenience Centers accept tires.
Free tires removal in Nashville →
New Orleans, LA Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in New Orleans →
New York, NY Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in New York →
Newark, NJ Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in Newark →
North Las Vegas, NV Launching
NOT in bulk. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. Cheyenne Transfer Station for some quantities.
Free tires removal in North Las Vegas →
Norfolk, VA Launching
NOT in any city program. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new.
Free tires removal in Norfolk →
Oakland, CA Launching
Free bulky pickup; auto shops also accept.
Free tires removal in Oakland →
Omaha, NE Launching
Free Spring/Fall Cleanup events accept tires. Tire shops accept old tires.
Free tires removal in Omaha →
Oklahoma City, OK Launching
OKC HHW & tire collection events.
Free tires removal in Oklahoma City →
Orlando, FL Launching
Orange County Landfill accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Orlando →
Philadelphia, PA Launching
Sanitation Convenience Centers accept tires.
Free tires removal in Philadelphia →
Phoenix, AZ Launching
Phoenix Transfer Stations accept tires.
Free tires removal in Phoenix →
Pittsburgh, PA Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in Pittsburgh →
Plano, TX Launching
NOT in bulky waste. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new (small TX tire fee).
Free tires removal in Plano →
Portland, OR Launching
Metro Portland transfer stations accept tires.
Free tires removal in Portland →
Providence, RI Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in Providence →
Provo, UT Launching
SUVSWD transfer station (suvswd.org). Tire shops when buying new. NOT in carts.
Free tires removal in Provo →
Rochester, NY Launching
Free curbside bulk (residential tires only). City segregates and transports separately.
Free tires removal in Rochester →
Raleigh, NC Launching
Wake County Recycling Facility accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Raleigh →
Reno, NV Launching
Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. NV state recycling at participating retailers.
Free tires removal in Reno →
Richmond, VA Launching
CVWMA tire collection events.
Free tires removal in Richmond →
Riverside, CA Launching
CA tire fee included in new tire purchase. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. Agua Mansa Transfer Station accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Riverside →
Sacramento, CA Launching
Sacramento County Drop-Off accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Sacramento →
Saint Paul, MN Launching
NOT in bulky pickup. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new (MN tire fee).
Free tires removal in Saint Paul →
San Jose, CA Launching
CA tire fee included in new purchase. Free unlimited junk pickup accepts tires.
Free tires removal in San Jose →
Salt Lake City, UT Launching
UT tire disposal fee included in new purchase. Call 2 Haul accepts tires. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new.
Free tires removal in Salt Lake City →
San Antonio, TX Launching
Recycling & Disposal Facilities accept tires.
Free tires removal in San Antonio →
San Diego, CA Launching
Miramar Landfill accepts tires.
Free tires removal in San Diego →
San Francisco, CA Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in San Francisco →
Santa Ana, CA Launching
NOT in bulky. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. CA tire fee at point of sale.
Free tires removal in Santa Ana →
Scottsdale, AZ Launching
NOT in brush/bulk or Salt River Landfill. Tire shops accept old tires when buying new.
Free tires removal in Scottsdale →
Seattle, WA Launching
Recycle & Disposal Stations accept tires.
Free tires removal in Seattle →
Spokane, WA Launching
NOT in Load Truck program. Tire shops when buying new. Free at City/County facilities.
Free tires removal in Spokane →
St. Louis, MO Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in St. Louis →
St. Petersburg, FL Launching
Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. FL state recycling fee at retail.
Free tires removal in St. Petersburg →
Stockton, CA Launching
NOT in curbside collection. San Joaquin County Solid Waste (209-468-3066). Tire shops when buying new.
Free tires removal in Stockton →
Syracuse, NY Launching
Up to 4 residential tires/year in bulk collection (Cityline 315-448-2489). Tire shops accept when buying new.
Free tires removal in Syracuse →
Tampa, FL Launching
McKay Bay Transfer Station accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Tampa →
Tucson, AZ Launching
Free Brush & Bulky, max 5 per event.
Free tires removal in Tucson →
Tulsa, OK Launching
OK tire fee included in new purchase. Tire shops required to accept old tires. NOT in regular bulky waste pickup.
Free tires removal in Tulsa →
Virginia Beach, VA Launching
Landfill & Resource Recovery Center accepts tires.
Free tires removal in Virginia Beach →
Washington, DC Launching
Auto shops accept tires for $3-$8 each.
Free tires removal in Washington →
Wichita, KS Launching
Tire shops accept old tires when buying new. Some hauler bulk programs accept residential tires.
Free tires removal in Wichita →
Winston-Salem, NC Launching
NOT in any city program. Tire shops when buying new. Forsyth County events for bulk amounts.
Free tires removal in Winston-Salem →
Worcester, MA Launching
Drop-Off Center ($5 fee applies). Tire shops accept old tires.
Free tires removal in Worcester →
What’s the cheapest way to dispose of tires?
If you’re buying new tires anyway: free with new tire purchase at any tire shop. The disposal fee is built into the new tire price by state law. If you have old tires without buying new ones: $3–$8 per tire at most auto shops, or free at periodic city tire collection events. Auto shops are the most universal option, every Discount Tire, Walmart Auto Care, Costco Tire Center, and local independent shop accepts old tires for the disposal fee.
Why are tires banned from landfills?
Whole tires don’t compress in landfills, they trap air and rise to the surface over time, breaking the landfill cap and creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus and Zika. Tire piles are also a major fire hazard, tire fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish and release toxic smoke. Nearly every U.S. state has banned whole tires from landfills under solid waste laws. Recycled tires get shredded and used as tire-derived fuel for cement kilns and paper mills, crumb rubber for athletic field surfacing and playgrounds, and recycled rubber products.
How does the tire disposal fee work?
Every new tire sold in the U.S. includes a small disposal fee ($1–$5 per tire built into the purchase price) that funds end-of-life recycling. Tire shops are required by state law to take old tires when you buy new ones, this is the simplest disposal channel and feels free because the cost was already paid when you bought the new tire. The fee varies by state: California $1.75 per tire, New York $2.50 per tire, most southern states $1–$2 per tire.
What about specialty tires (agricultural, oversized, off-road)?
Most auto shops only accept passenger and light-truck tires. For agricultural tractor tires, oversized truck tires, motorcycle tires, and off-road tires, you’ll need a specialized recycler. Search “tire recycling” plus your tire type. Some farm equipment dealers accept their own brand back. Disposal fees for specialty tires are typically $20–$100 per tire because of the larger volume of rubber.
Can I keep my old tires for projects?
Yes, old tires have many DIY uses: tire planters and garden beds, tire swings, retaining walls, playground borders, and exercise equipment. Just don’t store them outdoors collecting water (mosquito breeding) or in piles indoors (fire hazard). If you only need a few for projects, dispose of the rest properly through one of the channels above.
Is this page maintained?
Yes. Freemoval maintains this page as a public resource. We update it when programs change rules, fees, or contact methods. Last updated May 2026. If you find outdated information, let us know.